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THE DUKE
My Kung Fu Is Good
Spitfire |
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The lead release off the re-launched Spitfire Records (Eagle
Rock Entertainment) label is by Rich "The Duke" Ward of Stuck
Mojo and Chris Jericho's Fozzy. "My Kung Fu Is Good"
stunned me with a melodic modern rock approach that is actually
refreshing and enjoyable to listen to.
Musically, Ward has taken a detour from the heavier bands he
plays with. The songs are of a modern rock vein and are
definitely radio friendly. Vocally, Ward tends to call to
mind Anthony Kedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers sans the funky
intonations. Lead track "I Give To You" is very hook-laiden
and would fit it in any active rock stations' playlist.
"Immune" is also a catchy track that would need to clean up a
verse in the middle of the song for airplay. "Used To
Be" is another modern rocker that has a feel good vibe while
"Summer" is a very breezy track with hints of the Beatles.
"Running" is another very crafted rock song that has a very 70's
feel to it, ala Jay Ferguson's
solo material. "Breathe" is a piano ballad with very
hushed tones. "At This Moment" also has a 70's vibe to go
along with a chorus that sounds like it came out from "Infinity"
era Journey. It is an excellent track to close out the CD.
The songs are very personal in nature to Ward and it definitely
shows throughout the disc in the honest feel and delivery.
Another fact to point out is that Ward's vocals are very good.
Typically, I avoid most modern rock releases at all cost but
Ward doesn't go for the typical modern rock vocal mumblings,
remembers that riffs and guitar are allowed and most importantly
writes songs with excellent hooks. While this is not
typical 1heavymetal.com material, The Duke has come through with
a quality rock release.
Track Listing:
01. I Give To You
02. Immune
03. Used To Be
04. Summer
05. Suicide Machine
06. Running
07. Show You The Way
08. Breathe
09. Back To You
10. The Moment
Homepage:
http://www.dukerocks.com |
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